Preparation: server & domain

From a blank page to a ready server — even if you have never rented one.

This chapter starts from zero. If you already have a server with Docker and a domain, skip straight to Installation.

1. Rent a server

You need a VPS (virtual server) running Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 or Debian 12. Providers such as Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Vultr or Linode rent them for a few dollars a month. Pick at least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB is more comfortable) and 20 GB of disk. During checkout you set a password or SSH key — that is how you will log in next.

2. Log in over SSH

SSH is the terminal to your server. On Windows use PowerShell or Windows Terminal; on macOS/Linux the regular terminal. The IP address is in your provider’s email or dashboard:

On your machine

ssh root@YOUR-SERVER-IP

The first connection asks whether you trust the server — confirm with yes, then enter the password (it stays invisible while you type; that is normal).

3. Install Docker

Docker is the only software VAULT expects on the server. One command:

On the server

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

Then verify: docker --version should print a version number.

4. Point a domain at the server

At your domain registrar, create an A record: name e.g. shop (for shop.your-domain.com) or @ (for the apex), value = your server’s IP. Propagation takes minutes to hours. Once the domain resolves, the bundled Caddy web server obtains HTTPS certificates automatically — no certbot, no cron job.

That is all the preparation. Continue with Installation.